I've noted a bunch of trends in this thread. First, there's the some folks just don't get it,, then there's the they didn't try the right one, then ... you get the picture. All are on the mark, IMHO.
Most of you know I own 15 (yikes!) basses of various makes, to include three Alembics (my prized possessions, BTW). They run the gamut from a '73 Jazz to my Dragon's Wing. I've been fortunate and lucky enough to be able to acquire and play these instruments. I also follow a bunch of sites and monitor what vintage instruments are going for.
The bottom line is that something is only worth that which someone is willing to pay. For some, that $800 Fender is worth every penny given the music they're playing. For others, only a custom made Alembic will do, and they're willing to pay the price, price increases be damned.
For me, I've not played a finer instrument than an Alembic. Period. I have three Gibsons, three Fenders, a Pedulla, a Rick, a Musicman, a Peavey, a Godin, and an Ovation. Some are new, some are not. None of them come close in quality and performance. Don't get me wrong - they all have qualities I like (particularly the Rick - even my Alembics can't come close to sounding like it). But they can't hold a candle in terms of quality, attention to detail, variety of tones, and most of all, that personal touch you just can't buy anywhere else (unless it's a custom builder, which is basically what Alembics are all about).
Rich mentioned he never liked the looks of Fender headstocks. I've never liked the omegas on certain Alembics. However, that didn't keep me from trying and eventually buying three of them. I guess, as Rich notes, one needs to keep an open mind and try a bunch of different instruments. You never know what you'll find.
Foderas are fine instruments. Fenders are too (well, given what they used to be like in the 70's and 80's, their new instrments are better - I just bought a Jazz Bass Deluxe in Korea, and it's head and shoulders above stuff from the 70's quality wise). It just depends what one likes and can afford.
All this being said, I'll never sell my Alembics. To me they epitomize excellence in stringed instrument (bass guitar) construction, playability, versatility, and tonality. On that, I think there are a lot of people here would agree.
Alan
P.S. Danno - you can't sell that Ripper! It's our link! ;-) Mine's currently undergoing a complete refinish by Jim Warwick of Jim Warwick Guitars, in Vienna VA. Should have it soon. BTW, if you ever need anything done on your guitars, give Jim a call. His work is akin to the quality found in alembics. If you want his website address, email me. I had him refret both my Musicman and my '73 Jazz, and his work was flawless.
